Low-Rise Development

We're generally not fans of unimproved vacant lots in an urban neighborhood, but we have to admit taking a strange pleasure at Sunday's appearance of this sign at 59 North 6th Street, near the imnotsayin offices.

The humble posting heralds an uncharacteristic Northside waterfront development that's not financed by North Fork Bank, not borrowing air rights from adjacent properties to circumvent maximum heights, and not serving up any "affordable" units to allow floor area ratio exemptions. The sign advertises a new flea market, opening "Saturday's and Sunday's starting June, 2", and offering spaces for rent - not a condo nor co-op nor sales office demo in sight.

A welcome gasp of lowbrow commerce in what often feels like the death throes of bohemian Williamsburg.